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Heavy snow tests Trail public works

It’s not often Mother Nature grinds the area to a halt with so much snow, especially twice in one week.
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A regular early morning perch on a Gyro Park way bench was snowed in as was the path

The City of Trail has received many hot-under-the-collar complaints during the great snowmaggedon of 2017 - however, it’s not often Mother Nature grinds the area to a halt with so much snow, especially twice in one week.

Angry callers yes. Moreso, there’s been a groundswell of appreciation for the Trail public-works crew who are working around the clock trying to keep up with snow clearing, says the city’s Andrea Jolly.

“Public Works has received many calls and online posts to thank city crews for their great work over the last few days,” Jolly told the Trail Times. “These people understand how challenging the conditions have been and are very thankful for the crew’s dedication. The city would like to thank everyone for being so patient.”

As crews continue clearing and hauling away snow, Utilities Superintendent Chris McIsaac is asking the public to help out by clearing the snow around fire hydrants on their property.

“We are working hard to stay on top of them, but sometimes fall behind,” McIsaac said. “Firefighting crews time would be better spend actually fighting a fire as opposed to digging out a hydrant.”

Jolly pointed out that in addition to to 76 kilometres of roads, city crews are also responsible for snow removal at the airport.

“Crews have been working 24/7 on snow plowing and snow management, she added.

Jolly cautions residents that warmer temperatures are expected over the Family Day long weekend, which could lead to rapid snow melt and added risk to homeowners.

“If anyone experiences any localized flooding, they can call the public works number at 250.364.0840.”

Heavy snowfall over the last 24 hours prompted the city to issue an advisory to West Trail residents early Thursday.

“Please be advised that with the heavy snow accumulations over the last 24 to 48 hours has left some roads in West Trail impassible for our snow plows,” Jolly clarified that morning. “Crews are now in the process of snow blowing these roads to make them wide enough for snow plows to pass. Once these roads are widened we will again send the plows to these areas.”

Clearing the hills delayed the city’s ability to clear sidewalks, she continued.

“We will proceed to clear sidewalks once all roads are passable,” Jolly said. “Boulevards are filling up quickly with snow, which can be bothersome, but blowing snow into these areas is necessary as snow storage is at a premium.”

The city does have snow removal priorities, which begins at major collectors and emergency routes such as the hospital and Warfield hills and bus routes. The third priority is the downtown core, including parking lots and the Aquatic Centre. Once those streets are cleared, light traffic volume roads such as Lilac Crescent (Glenmerry) and Park Street (East Trail) are attended to, and finally residential streets and parking lots.

“When all five priorities have been accomplished, lanes will be plowed and all other streets widened,” the city states. “In general, sand is not used on level streets except when extreme icing conditions are experienced.”

Snow removal in the downtown area is undertaken after a heavy snowfall (this is normally done in the evening hours). Other designated business areas will be cleared as required.



Sheri Regnier

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